Strachan has been the feel-good story of training camp after missing the final 11 games last season. In 2016, he was the Eagles leader with 80 tackles, 11 for a loss, 3.5 sacks and four fumble recoveries despite a nagging shoulder injury sustained in the season opener against Georgia Tech.

Strachan was relentless in his pursuit of the ball carrier and punched at a weight class above his 6-foot, 240-pound frame. BC head coach Steve Addazio feels Strachan has now performed to his previous levels in camp.

“He loves football, he’s highly competitive and it means a lot to him,” said Addazio. “He put a lot of effort into the preseason in both rehab and training and he’s in the best shape he’s ever been and he’s playing at a high level.”

The ‘Mike’ linebacker is responsible for more than planting tailbacks and pressuring the passer in BC’s defensive schemes.

“The defense is constantly changing and we are working things in to emphasize the guys we have and the skill sets we have,” said Strachan.

Last year, Brown established a vertical passing game to complement tailback AJ Dillon before being injured against North Carolina State on Nov. 11 at Alumni Stadium.

Brown started 10 games and completed 134-of-258 passes for 1,367 yards with 11 touchdowns and nine interceptions. Brown was the second freshman to start a season opener in school history and enjoyed his breakthrough game in a 41-10 victory over Virginia. Brown was named ACC Rookie of the Week after completing 19-of-24 passes for 275 yards and three touchdowns.

“He’s coming back strong. Each day we try to do a little bit more with him,” said Addazio. “It’s been a pretty good sort of comeback, if you will. He’s still in the middle of it. He’s not where he wants to be yet.”

BC football:Five players to watch when season opens Sept. 1:

AJ DILLON — RB, 6-0, 245

Led the ACC in rushing by a running back with a BC freshman record 1,589 yards and 14 touchdowns. Dillon was a first team All-ACC tailback last season and is the preseason pick for Player of the Year. A preseason All-America, Dillon is on the Doak Walker Award and Maxwell Award watch lists.

CHRIS LINDSTROM — OT, 6-4, 305

The senior has started 35 games at either guard or tackle and anchored an offense that finished third in the ACC in rushing yards per game (220.4). Lindstrom is a preseason All-America, an All-ACC first team selection and is on the Outland Trophy watch list.

ZACH ALLEN — DE, 6-5, 285

Allen emerged as the dominant presence of the Eagles front after Harold Landry went down with an ankle injury against Florida State on Oct. 27. Allen led the Eagles in sacks (6) and was second in tackles (100). Allen is a preseason All-America and is on the Bednarik Award, Bronco Nagurski Trophy and Wuerffel Trophy watch lists.

LUKAS DENIS — S, 5-11, 185

Started 13 games last season and finished tied for second in the nation with seven interceptions. Denis was named All-ACC second team last season and is a preseason All-America and All-ACC first team nominee. Denis is on the Bednarik Award, Bronco Nagurski Trophy and Jim Thorpe Award watch lists.

TOMMY SWEENEY — TE, 6-5, 255

Sweeney has started 26 games and has been on an NFL trajectory since his sophomore season. Sweeney led the Eagles in catches (36), receiving yards (512) and receiving touchdowns (4) last season. Sweeney is a preseason All-ACC first team selection and is on the John Mackey Award watch list.